Zone 7 Deer Resistant Shrubs: 8 Options for Beautiful and Low-Maintenance Landscapes

If you live in zone 7, you know how challenging it can be to find the right plants that can survive the harsh winters and hot summers. Even more difficult is finding plants that the local deer population won't devour. Fortunately, there are a variety of deer-resistant shrubs that can add vibrant colors and textures to your landscape without being a tasty snack for Bambi and his friends.

1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

Boxwood shrubs with green leaves

Boxwood shrubs are a classic choice for hedging and topiary because they're easy to shape and maintain. They're also deer-resistant because their foliage contains alkaloids that make them unappetizing to deer. Boxwoods come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from dwarf varieties to larger hedges, so they're perfect for any landscape design.

2. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Azalea shrub with pink flowers

Azaleas are known for their stunning blooms in shades of pink, red, and purple. They also have leathery leaves that make them less appealing to deer. Azaleas prefer acidic soil and partial shade, making them an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shady areas of your yard.

3. Beautyberry (Callicarpa spp.)

Beautyberry shrub with purple berries

The beautyberry shrub gets its name from the clusters of bright purple berries that form in the fall. Although the berries are attractive to birds, they're not very appetizing to deer. Beautyberries are also low-maintenance and can grow well in both sun and shade.

4. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja spp.)

Butterfly bush with purple flowers

As the name suggests, butterfly bushes are a favorite of butterflies because of their fragrant flowers. They're also deer-resistant because of their slightly fuzzy, silvery leaves that deer don't find palatable. Butterfly bushes can grow up to six feet tall and come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple.

5. Fothergilla (Fothergilla spp.)

Fothergilla shrub with white flowers

Fothergilla shrubs are native to the southeastern United States and are known for their fluffy, white flowers in the spring. Their dense foliage and unique texture make them a great addition to any landscape design. They're also deer-resistant because of their strong fragrance that deer don't like.

6. Holly (Ilex spp.)

Holly shrub with red berries

Holly shrubs are a popular choice for holiday decorations because of their bright red berries. They're also deer-resistant because their spiny leaves make them difficult to eat. Holly shrubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so they're perfect for hedges, screens, or specimen plants.

7. Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

Juniper shrub with blue-green foliage

Junipers are a hardy evergreen shrub that can add year-round interest to your landscape. They're also deer-resistant because of their tough, needle-like leaves that deer don't like to eat. Junipers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from low-growing groundcovers to tall, narrow uprights.

8. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian sage with purple flowers

Russian sage is a low-maintenance shrub that's perfect for hot, dry climates. Its silver-gray foliage and delicate purple flowers make it a beautiful addition to any landscape design. It's also deer-resistant because of its aromatic leaves that deer don't like to eat.

Boxwood, Azalea, Beautyberry, Butterfly Bush, Fothergilla, Holly, Juniper, and Russian Sage.